Why does the first new Aberdeen observatory in 200 years have an AI telescope?

The first new observatory in Aberdeen in more than 200 years has opened this week, using an AI-controlled telescope.

The Anne H Cruickshank Observatory was officially opened by Catherine Heymans, astronomer royal for Scotland, on Wednesday.

The observatory at the University of Aberdeen will aim to give students, researchers and the public the opportunity to explore the night sky using an advanced, AI-controlled telescope.

Located in Cruickshank Botanic Garden, the observatory houses a 16-inch John Cruickshank telescope equipped with advanced imaging technology.

It will support teaching and research in astrophysics, as well as interdisciplinary work involving artificial intelligence and data science.

Dr Charles Wang, an astrophysicist at the University of Aberdeen who has led the project, says the observatory’s AI technology will make it accessible to people with little or no previous experience of astronomy.

“Cruickshank Observatory is unique in being fully AI-controlled. Both the roof and telescope can be operated using AI voice controls,” he said.

“You can look at a sky chart and simply ask it to point to an object you want to see – for example, ‘point the telescope to the star Sirius’.

“The system can also suggest what would be interesting to observe under the conditions at that particular time.”

The observatory is particularly well placed to take advantage of Aberdeen’s long winter nights and colder temperatures, which can provide favourable conditions for astronomical imaging.

“At night you can see the stars and galaxies on camera, and winter is the best time,” Dr Wang said. “Aberdeen is an ideal location for astronomical observation because of the long nights and low temperatures.”

The facility’s weather station monitors conditions including wind speed, humidity and atmospheric pressure, while infrared technology and light pollution sensors help determine when conditions are suitable for observation.